Over 4500 young football fans will enjoy Shots matches for free throughout the 2015-16 season with Aldershot Town’s new Community Stand debenture scheme.
Thanks to the generosity of like-minded companies, charities, community groups and individuals, the vision of creating ‘tomorrow’s supporters’ coincides with the introduction of free admission for Under 11s.
Local youth clubs and schools will receive group season tickets giving them access to all 23 Vanarama National League home games, alongside a central allocation of tickets which will grant access to a diverse range of potential new supporters. Confirmed season ticket recipients include Abbey Special School in Farnham, Camberley Town Youth and Farnham Juniors.
Amongst the supporters of the scheme, the Shots Trust, Nepalese community group Sahara UK, former Chairman Terry Owens and current Director Brian Bloomfield have all provided financial backing.
Lifelong Shots supporter and Managing Director of Eagle Radio, Paul Marcus – who was also instrumental in the creation of the Community Stand in 2013 – believes that lessons have been learned regarding ticket distribution. “This season, rather than a voucher system, tickets will be distributed to make the process easier for those attending,” he explained. “This season we will also invite more small groups rather than relying on larger groups to fulfil allocations, which has proved to be unpredictable. This should all help to ensure better attendances in the Community Stand.”
Aldershot Town’s Commercial Manager Mark Butler is delighted with the financial backing the Club has received, and believes the Community Stand initiative will have a positive impact both on and off the pitch. “As a player, having a noisy home crowd at both ends of the pitch is definitely a benefit, and as someone who used to stand on the East Bank I passionately believe that we need to be proactive in introducing new supporters to the Club. With a thriving Community Stand and free entry for under 11s, the Club is heading in a positive direction, which is good news for players, supporters and sponsors. I would particularly like to thank Paul Marcus, whose help and support in this new venture has been vital to its success.”
This forward-thinking scheme from the Football Club shows a fantastic willingness from all stakeholders to help create a positive future. Alongside the introduction of free admission for Under 11s, which is kindly supported by Millgrove Construction, this scheme will help to bring a new generation of supporters to the Club from across the community.
A limited number of debentures are still available for as little as £500. For further information on becoming a partner in the scheme, please contact Mark Butler on 01252 320211 or email mark.butler@theshots.co.uk.
The Community Stand is sponsored by:
Alf Turner and Sons Butchers
Eagle Radio
Shots Trust (four debentures)
Cennox
Big Fry
Tony Knights of Knights Foundation
Kevin Matthew of Central Heating Services
Goldstation
EBB
Terry Owens
Brian Bloomfield
TAG Farnborough Airport
Sahara UK
Reade Signs
Children with Special Needs Group
